Lending scams: Four things to look out for

Navigating personal finances can be challenging, and unfortunately, it has become a target for criminals seeking to take advantage. It is crucial to be aware of common scam tactics to ensure the safety of your information and money. In this article, we will discuss four important things to watch out for to protect yourself from scams.

1. Protecting personal information

Beware of any requests for sensitive information such as your Social Security number, date of birth, or banking and credit card details. Remember, legitimate organizations will not contact you to verify or request financial information via phone, email, text, or social media. Stay cautious and refrain from sharing confidential data through these channels.

2. False promises of expedited refunds or payments

Be skeptical of claims promising to expedite your tax refunds or any other payments. It’s important to note that trustworthy institutions do not engage in such practices. If someone suggests they can speed up these processes, it is likely a deceptive tactic.

3. Exercise caution with unknown email addresses

Exercise caution when dealing with unfamiliar email addresses, especially when receiving messages related to financial matters or important information. Always double-check the sender’s identity. If the email is not from a known individual or a trusted company you have previously interacted with, refrain from clicking on any links or responding to the email.

4. Beware of robocalls

Automated phone calls featuring pre-recorded messages, known as robocalls, are not only annoying but are also commonly used by scammers. Be cautious when receiving such calls and avoid providing any personal or financial information over the phone. If in doubt, hang up and verify the legitimacy of the call through official channels.

Knowing these basic tactics will help you identify a scam when you encounter one. If you want to learn more, you can see what the IRS, FBI, and FTC are saying about scams right now.

Think you’ve encountered a scam? Here’s how you can report it.